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My young bearded dragon is inactive, not eating, or drinking. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hello my name is Marissa and my bearded dragon is relatively young (2-3 months old) and within the few (3-4) weeks I've had him, he is showing strange symptoms of not using his limps as much. Some times he will walk but he is very nonactive. He doesn't drink water and now he is barely eating his crickets that I laced with Calcium powder. I've done so much research but i have yet to succeed of finding the answer. What could be wrong with him?

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Susan England-Foster

Veterinarian

Published on August 26th, 2017

I am sorry drac is not feeling well. Our biggest concern would be metabolic bone disease. This is where reptiles have soft or weak bones which predisposes them to breaking there limbs. However it is possible drac has an infection, parasites or viral disease. I would recommend taking him to a veterinarian as soon as possible for a good exam to help determine the cause and provide more direct treatment

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 26th, 2017

    From the photos he looks like he is lacking condition in his legs and tail. I would be concerned about him and take him to a good reptile vet asap. If he is lethargic and walks strangely I would be worried about metabolic bone disease. Beardies need direct UV light and calcium in their diet gor proper skeletal development.

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    Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 11th, 2019

    Thanks for your question about Titan, and I am sorry that this is happening to the two of you. I am concerned about the signs that you are describing as far as his mobility, as this can be a sign of metabolic bone disease. This disease is often related to calcium and its absorption in the body, and it can result in fractures/broken bones. If it is difficult for him to get around the tank, he may not be as willing or able to get to the food or water within the tank. This could be a reason why he was so thirsty when you watered him. I would recommend taking Titan to a veterinarian for evaluation. They can perform a thorough examination and feel all of the bones to see if there are fractures present. They may recommend performing radiographs (x-rays) to evaluate his bone density and organs. They may also recommend performing blood work to see what his calcium levels are. Depending on what is found, they may recommend medications for him, such as supplemental calcium or pain medications. Please do not give Titan any human medications at home, as many of them can be harmful to our scaled friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Titan feels better soon.

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